2016-17 Licenses on Sale Starting Monday, Aug. 15

AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reminds hunters and anglers that the new 2016-2017 licenses go on sale Monday. All current year Texas hunting and fishing licenses (except year-to-date fishing licenses) expire Aug. 31.

Every year, the department issues more than 2.4 million hunting and fishing licenses through the agency’s 28 field offices, more than 50 state parks and at over 1,700 retailers across the state. All revenue generated from hunting and fishing license fees pays for conservation efforts and recreational opportunities that help make Texas one of the best places in the country to hunt and fish. Fish stocking, wildlife management, habitat restoration, public hunting leases, river access permits and Texas Game Wardens are just some of the initiatives funded in part by license fees.

This season, when purchasing their license Texans can also enter several exciting drawings. Big Time Texas Hunts offers the chance to win one or more premium guided hunt packages, with all lodging and food included. There are opportunities to pursue bighorn sheep, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, alligator, waterfowl, upland game birds, wild hog and exotics. Big Time Texas Hunts entries are available online for $9 each at www.tpwd.texas.gov/buyentry or for $10 each at license retailers or by phone.

TPWD will also be awarding Lifetime Super Combo Licenses to three lucky winners during the Lifetime License Drawings. Winners will never need to buy another Texas hunting or fishing license. Participants can enter for $5 per entry at license retailers or online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/licensedraw. The first entry deadline for the three monthly drawings is Sept. 30 and all non-winning entries will still be eligible to win in the next two drawings. The second drawing entry deadline is Oct. 31 for chances in the last two drawings and the final entry deadline is Nov. 30 for the last drawing. Big Time Texas Hunts and Lifetime License Drawing entries go to support conservation and help keep hunting and fishing great in Texas.

Beginning this year the Texas Legislature has made it easier for hunters and anglers to support two worthwhile causes when they buy their hunting or fishing license. Now license buyers can make voluntary donations to help veterans or to support the Hunters for the Hungry program.

The Texas Veterans Commission is asking Texans donate $1, $5, $10 or $20 to the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance when purchasing a fishing and hunting license, whether in person or on the Internet. All donations go to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) program which provides grants to Veteran service organizations and nonprofit charitable institutions that assist Veterans and their families at the community level throughout Texas. Your donation will improve the lives of Texas Veterans and their families by supporting grants to organizations like Meals On Wheels to provide nutritious meals to home-bound Veterans in Central Texas; to Paws for Reflection Ranch to provide individual, marital, and family counseling to Veterans affected by post-traumatic stress and other mental health issues through horse-therapy in North Texas; and to the Salvation Army-Tyler to provide emergency financial assistance to Veterans and their families on the brink of homelessness in East Texas. To learn more about the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grant program visit www.tvc.texas.gov or call 512-463-1157.”

Donations to the Hunters for the Hungry program help feed Texas families in need by providing millions of venison meals annually.

Hunters and anglers can get their new 2016-2017 hunting and fishing licenses at license retailers, online at www.tpwd.texas.gov/buy or by phone at 1-800-895-4248. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The online transaction system is available 24/7. Please note that there is a required $5 administrative fee for each phone or online transaction, but multiple items can be purchased during a single transaction occasion for the $5 fee. All of these license sales outlets will offer the opportunity to make a donation to help veterans and/or families in need of food.

Hunting and fishing regulations for the new season can be found in the 2016-2017 Outdoor Annual, available in print form at license retailers, online at www.outdoorannual.com and in the free Outdoor Annual mobile app available for both Apple and Android devices and updated with regulations for the new season Aug. 15.